Basic Wave Properties

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Front

What are the two main types of waves?

Back

The two main types of waves are longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

Front

Define longitudinal wave.

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

Define transverse wave.

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation.

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave.

Front

What is a trough in a wave?

Back

A trough is the lowest point of a wave.

Front

What is compression in a wave?

Back

Compression is the region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is rarefaction in a wave?

Back

Rarefaction is the region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are furthest apart.

Front

How does sound travel in different mediums?

Back

Sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.